Installing a Micro Trains Z scale #905 coupler on the front pilot of a
Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 isn't difficult at all if you follow the
following directions. First the MT Z scale #905 coupler is more
prototypically correct than a traditional N scale coupler. Previously
used was a MT #1015 coupler box with a MT #2004 coupler which when
completely installed on the front pilot was quite over-sized in relation
to the rest of the locomotive.
The front pilot of the Spectrum 2-8-0 requires surgery to properly install a MT Z scale #905 . First you remove the dummy coupler which slides out after releasing it from the back of the pilot. Then take a very thin diamond cutting instrument and gradually widen the opening in the front pilot where the dummy pilot was placed. You want to make the opening in the front pilot to look like a thin rectangle. Use the MT Z scale coupler box as a guide. You will be cutting away some of the detailing on the pilot as you shape the space for the coupler box. You want to taper the opening so you can slip in the MT #905 coupler from the front of the pilot. You must taper the new coupler box opening so it is slightly wider in the front pilot area so the preformed #905 coupler easily slips into the opening. Then check the coupler height with a gauge or with another car and if correct glue glue the MT Z scale #905 coupler in place. in place. I done this installation on most of my older Spectrum Consolidations.
This technique can also be used for the Spectrum Light Mountain 4-8-2 and the Spectrum 2-6-6-2 Articulated Mallet. The front pilot with the MT Z scale #905 coupler in place is a great improvement over the factory installed dummy coupler on the front pilot.
You can also body mount the MT Z scale #905 coupler on the rear of the tender frame. The MT Z scale coupler mates well with N scale couplers provided you mount it properly.
The knuckle of the MT Z scale coupler must be positioned so it rests in the center of the N scale coupler knuckle. The MT Z scale coupler can pull over 30 cars if properly mounted on the rear of the tender.
You should try this modification. You'll certainly be pleased with the results.
Photo # 1 A color photo of an original run WM Spectrum 2-8-0 released in 2002. There is a Lenz 0521 decoder hard wired in the boiler of the locomotive. I installed a brass Feed Water Heater and detailed piping from the Feed Water Heater. There is a MT Z scale #905 coupler installed on the front pilot. This locomotive has over 150 hours of running time and performs well at slow speeds.
Photo # 2 A closeup color photo of a MT Z scale #905 coupler added to front pilot of a WM 2-8-0. This is also a good photo of the brass Feed Water Heater and accessory piping added.
Photo # 3 MT Z scale #905 couplers installed on the front pilots of various N scale steamers. The Z scale coupler looks very prototypical on the pilots of N scale steam locomotives. The Z scale coupler mates well with N scale couplers if they are mounted correctly.
Photo # 4 MT Z scale #905 couplers body mounted on the tenders of various N scale steamers. The Z scale coupler looks very prototypical on the rear of N scale tenders. The Z scale coupler mates well with N scale couplers if they are mounted correctly.
The front pilot of the Spectrum 2-8-0 requires surgery to properly install a MT Z scale #905 . First you remove the dummy coupler which slides out after releasing it from the back of the pilot. Then take a very thin diamond cutting instrument and gradually widen the opening in the front pilot where the dummy pilot was placed. You want to make the opening in the front pilot to look like a thin rectangle. Use the MT Z scale coupler box as a guide. You will be cutting away some of the detailing on the pilot as you shape the space for the coupler box. You want to taper the opening so you can slip in the MT #905 coupler from the front of the pilot. You must taper the new coupler box opening so it is slightly wider in the front pilot area so the preformed #905 coupler easily slips into the opening. Then check the coupler height with a gauge or with another car and if correct glue glue the MT Z scale #905 coupler in place. in place. I done this installation on most of my older Spectrum Consolidations.
This technique can also be used for the Spectrum Light Mountain 4-8-2 and the Spectrum 2-6-6-2 Articulated Mallet. The front pilot with the MT Z scale #905 coupler in place is a great improvement over the factory installed dummy coupler on the front pilot.
You can also body mount the MT Z scale #905 coupler on the rear of the tender frame. The MT Z scale coupler mates well with N scale couplers provided you mount it properly.
The knuckle of the MT Z scale coupler must be positioned so it rests in the center of the N scale coupler knuckle. The MT Z scale coupler can pull over 30 cars if properly mounted on the rear of the tender.
You should try this modification. You'll certainly be pleased with the results.
Photo # 3 MT ZA scale #905 couplers installed on the front pilots of various N scale steamers. The Z scale coupler looks very prototypical on the pilots of N scale steam locomotives, The Z scale coupler mates well with N scale couplers if they are mounted correctly.
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